What Foods To Avoid When You Have Colitis

Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 at
9:13 pm

If you have recently been diagnosed with colitis (also called ulcerative colitis), you probably know that your diet has an impact on the disease. The two most common symptoms of colitis are diarrhea and abdominal pain, both of which can be made worse if the foods you eat are gas-producing or induce heartburn. There are several specific types of foods that may have this affect, and it is important to know what they are to minimize the risk of having a flare-up.

High-fiber foods are healthy for most people; however, if you have colitis, they can cause more harm than good. High amounts of fiber in the diet can cause excessive gas, bloating and diarrhea, all of which can trigger colitis. This is especially true if your intestine has narrowed due to scarring or ulcers. To prevent this from occurring, avoid high-fiber foods such as legumes, peas, whole wheat breads and cereals, popcorn, nuts, seeds, and crunchy nut butters.

Although they are not always high in fiber, there are foods that trigger an increase in stomach acid. High levels of stomach acid can also cause inflammation and increase the chances of colitis becoming active. Hot peppers, spicy sauces and condiments with a tomato base, and spices such as pepper are known triggers of colitis and should be avoided. Hot sauce, BBQ sauce, wasabi and horseradish are other examples of spicy trigger foods.

Some beverages also cause excessive stomach acid and irritation. Alcohol is one of the best-known triggers, so limit beer, wine and liquor while in remission and avoid them entirely during flare-ups. Carbonated beverages such as sodas and energy drinks also have this effect due to the carbonated water and acids they contain. Although coffee is not carbonated or alcoholic, it is a strong stimulant and can cause your intestines to have contractions. These contractions can cause abdominal pain and irritation, so it is beneficial to eliminate coffee from your diet.

No matter what whole, natural foods you like to eat, you can help reduce the risk of aggravating your colitis even further by following the food combining eating system. Food combining is a simple, effective way to eat the foods that are good for you in the healthiest way possible. Did you know what eating proteins and starchy vegetables together actually hurts your stomach? This bad combination of food causes your stomach to produce conflicting enzymes that give you heartburn, bloating and gas.

Food combining helps to eliminate these digestive problems. By eating foods in specific combinations, you will have smooth, gentle digestion when you eat. This means no greasy, queasy feelings from eating incompatible foods. Food combining can help you feel better fast: in as little as 24 hours. Learn more about this amazing system and help keep your colitis in remission longer than ever.

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The FDA has not evaluated the statements made on this website. The contents of this website are not to be considered medical advice and are for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing health challenges, always consult your doctor for medical advice and follow it even if it contradicts the contents of this website.